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AFRO Urges the Police to Make All Efforts to Bring the Murderer to Justice (2012.10.25)

Established in 1993, Action for REACH OUT (AFRO) is a non-governmental organisation providing services and support for sex workers in Hong Kong. Regarding the murder of a sex worker holding a two-way permit on Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei on 24 October 2012, we express our deep condolences and urge the police to make all efforts to bring the murderer to justice.

In the past, when sex workers encountered violence, robbery or theft, some police officers were found not proactive in handling the case. Not only did they fail to pursue the case with all their efforts, so that the criminals had a chance to escape the law, but they also failed to provide the victims with appropriate support or even make them suffer secondary victimisation during the reporting process. Some police officers even intentionally insulted sex workers. In such case, sex workers, as victims of crime, did not receive fair treatment, which makes them reluctant to stand up and seek assistance from the police when in trouble.

AFRO believes that no discrimination should be tolerated. According to Articles 3, 7 and 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to life, liberty, security of person, and the right to work and free choice of employment. All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. Protecting citizens is the responsibility of the police. Regardless of their status and occupation, everyone should be protected by the same law and treated fairly.

Although it is illegal for the victim of this murder case to come to work in Hong Kong with a two-way permit (and there has been no evidence that the case is related to the victim’s occupation), AFRO urges the police to handle the investigation impartially, let the status of stay and the nature of work of the victim make no difference, identify the perpetrator as soon as possible and bring him to justice.

Action for REACH OUT

25 October 2012